Today’s chapter is about the importance of serving the flock properly and keeping the sheep fed with the right food…

READ 1 PETER 5 Make notes, if you’d like, of what stands out for you. Feel free to use the “Leave a Comment” box below to also write some of your thoughts

A THOUGHT FOR TODAY:

The 2001 outbreak of the Foot and Mouth Disease here in the UK was a real set-back. This wasn’t just for the farmers but also for tourism. One theory put the cause down to tampering with a protein feed – for quick ‘bulk up’ and a faster rotation to market. So what’s interesting for me when reading today’s chapter is that the last thing Jesus said to Peter was “Feed my sheep.”[a] Now older, and no doubt uncertain of his own death, Peter finishes his letter with a call to everyone who are higher up any chain of command, to properly lead and feed those whom they’re responsible for…

“Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care and watch over them. Not because you must, but because you’re willing, as God wants you to be. Don’t pursue dishonest gain, but be eager to serve. Don’t lord it over those entrusted to you, but be an example to the flock. When the Christ, the Chief Shepherd appears, you’ll receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. [v2-4]

Who’s Feeding You?

Lord help me to feed Your sheep properly today – starting with my own girls. Help me not to feed on the stuff that’s labelled “spiritual food” but it’s actually culturally modified and acceptably processed “bulk up”. I don’t want to end up with a spiritual form of Foot and Mouth disease, where I can’t walk in YOUR ways or speak YOUR words. Help me to go back to Your word and soak in Your “manna” – Your breadcrumbs – that You specifically designed to feed our souls. …Read More? … CLICK to follow “10 December – Additional Notes”

But what about your thoughts – can you tell me what today’s “breadcrumb” is? Leave a note in the “Comments” box below to tell me what you think of today’s chapter.

Wanting to speak directly with the Creator God? The rest of this webpage uses Jesus’ own prayer to help…

THE LORD’S PRAYER:

1. Praise:“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your Name. Your Kingdom come! Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven …”

I’ll sing a new song to You, my God. On the ten-stringed lyre I’d like to make music to You. [Psalm 144:9]

Your Country: The needs of the poor

Yourself: Opportunities to serve God

Your concerns for today

Jesus said: “…do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ …But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. [Matthew 6:31&33]

3. Admit: “…Forgive us our sin as we forgive those who sin against us…”

Father God help me to make sure that I don’t turn away from You Lord. I don’t want to worship the gods of other nations. Help me to make sure there’s no root that produces such bitter poison. [Deuteronomy 29:18]

4. Protect: “…Lead us not into temptation but delivers us from evil.”

Thank-you Lord that we have a strong city; God makes salvation its walls and ramparts. [Isaiah 26:1]

“For Yours Lord is the Kingdom, the Power and the Glory now and forever. Amen!”

THIS WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE: Topic = Spiritual Conflict

“Put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” [Ephesians 6:13]